The Latest: New mom Cardi B opens MTV VMAs holding bundle

NEW YORK (AP) - The Latest on the MTV Video Music Awards (all times local):

9:15 p.m.

Cardi B, the night's leading nominee, new mama and super-hot rapper, opened the MTV Video Music Awards swaddling a precious bundle.

The rapper, who gave birth to daughter Kulture Kiari Cephus just weeks ago, told the crowd Monday night she had a surprise in her arms and pulled back the blanket to reveal a Moon Man trophy.

The rapper had already won an award before the show began, song of the summer for her song "I Like It," with Bad Bunny and J Balvin, and was the leading nominee of the night, up for 10 awards.

She declared as she stood on the stage: "I am the empress. The liberals voted for me," before introducing the show's first performer, Shawn Mendes.

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8:50 p.m.

Cardi B walked into the MTV VMAs as the night's top nominee and already a winner.

MTV announced on the carpet Monday night about 30 minutes before the awards show that the rapper was the winner of the song of the summer award for "I Like It," with Bad Bunny and J Balvin.

Cardi B wasn't there to accept the award because she was opening the show where she's nominated for 10 awards, including

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8:50 p.m.

Cardi B walked into the MTV VMAs as the night's top nominee and already a winner.

MTV announced on the carpet Monday night about 30 minutes before the awards show that the rapper was the winner of the song of the summer award for "I Like It," with Bad Bunny and J Balvin.

Cardi B wasn't there to accept the award because she was opening the show where she's nominated for 10 awards, including video of the year for "Finesse" with Bruno Mars.

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8:40 p.m.

Stormy Daniels' attorney, Michael Avenatti, found himself in the thick of the youthful crowd arriving at the MTV Video Music Awards talking politics. More specifically, talking elections.

He told The Associated Press on the pink carpet Monday night that young people will play a "big role" in

Cardi B walked into the MTV VMAs as the night's top nominee and already a winner.

MTV announced on the carpet Monday night about 30 minutes before the awards show that the rapper was the winner of the song of the summer award for "I Like It," with Bad Bunny and J Balvin.

Cardi B wasn't there to accept the award because she was opening the show where she's nominated for 10 awards, including video of the year for "Finesse" with Bruno Mars.

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8:40 p.m.

Stormy Daniels' attorney, Michael Avenatti, found himself in the thick of the youthful crowd arriving at the MTV Video Music Awards talking politics. More specifically, talking elections.

He told The Associated Press on the pink carpet Monday night that young people will play a "big role" in the 2020 elections. But what about this year's races? Avenatti's on it. He's traveling around the country trying to raise money for democrats. His goal is to hit up 20 states. He's been to four or five so far.

Avenatti has been on a media blitz since taking on the adult film star Daniels as his client in a legal case against President Donald Trump and his former personal attorney, Michael Cohen. Avenatti was vague about whether he'll run for president in 2020. He said whoever runs "better be in store for a cage match."

And the latest with Daniels? Avenatti says "She's doing great. She's in it for the long haul."

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8 p.m.

Cardi B slayed on the pink carpet in a low-cut body-hugger of a dress by Nicolas Jebran as performers, presenters and nominees arrived for the MTV Video Music Awards.

The draped velvet-fuchsia number worn by the "Bodak Yellow" rapper had a high slit to go with its down-to-there neck. It had one long sleeve and draped detailing at the shoulder on the other side.

Cardi B will open Monday's show and is the night's top nominee just weeks after giving birth to daughter Kulture Kiari Cephus.

She's up for video of the year with "Finesse," her collaboration with Bruno Mars.

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11 a.m.

Cardi B will make her first public appearance as a mom at the MTV Video Music Awards, and it might be worth it: She could be the night's big winner.

The rapper is the top contender with 10 nominations. She will open Monday's show, which kicks off at 9 p.m. EDT from Radio City Music Hall in New York.

Cardi B and Bruno Mars are up for video of the year with "Finesse." Other nominees for the top prize include Drake, Beyonce and Jay-Z, Childish Gambino, Camila Cabello and Ariana Grande.

Most of the top nominees, including Drake, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Mars and Gambino, won't attend the VMAs.